Merchant account solutions make it easy to accept credit cards and processing them can be made even more simpler. With a merchant account you can increase you customer base and that will definitely help you in the long run.
Even though a merchant account can be a little expensive for a business that is just starting off, but you must try and remove a little bit of money each month to fund this.
Offshore accounts can be good in a way that they are hassle freee and can provide you with tax benefits and other offshore advantages.